Julen Lopetegui has been appointed as the new head coach of the Qatar national football team, marking his return to international management.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) confirmed the appointment on May 1, 2025, with Lopetegui signing a two-year contract that runs through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. He replaces Luis Garcia, who had held the position since December 2024.

Lopetegui, 58, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously managed Spain, Real Madrid, and Sevilla. Most recently, he led West Ham United but was dismissed in January 2025 after a challenging six-month stint. His biggest managerial success came with Sevilla, guiding them to a Europa League title in 2020.

Qatar currently sits fourth in Group A of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, with 10 points from eight matches. Their next fixtures are crucial: a home match against Iran on June 5 and an away clash with Uzbekistan on June 10.

Lopetegui’s appointment is seen as a bold strategic move by Qatar as they look to bolster their competitiveness on the Asian and global stage.